UKRAINIAN CANADIAN DELEGATION CONCLUDES MISSION TO UKRAINE WITH MINISTER ODA
(UCC. Kyiv, Ukraine. April 25, 2012). — On April 19 representatives from the Ukrainian Canadian community concluded a successful trip to Ukraine as members of the delegation accompanying International Cooperation Minister, the Honourable Beverley Oda's recent mission to Ukraine. The Minister's meetings included Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, Economy Minister Petro Poroshenko and Agriculture Minister Nikolai Pryasyazhnuk. The delegation also visited the National Holodomor Museum in Kyiv, and met with representatives of oblast, regional and local government officials; representatives from civil society groups; CIDA administrators; local project partners and opposition party representatives.
"We are pleased that the government of Canada continues to stress the need for continued vigilance and monitoring of the evolving political situation in Ukraine," stated Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) Executive Director Taras Zalusky. "Minister Oda highlighted at the highest levels the government of Canada's concern over the eroding political situation in Ukraine and urged the government of Ukraine to respect human rights. The Ukrainian Canadian community was gratified to provide input and advice to the government of Canada and Minister Oda on this important visit."
During her meeting with Prime Minister Azarov, Minister Oda noted that Canadian oil and gas services companies are prepared to share their expertise and engage in the exploration of Ukraine's fledgling shale gas industry. She also underscored the government of Canada's unwavering position on the need for Ukraine to respect human rights and reverse course on political repressions.
"Minister Oda's underscoring the important contribution to Canada's development as a prosperous democratic society by the Ukrainian Canadians individually and, collectively, as an organized community was a message that the Minister repeated at meetings," said Borys Potapenko, Executive Director of the League of Ukrainian Canadians (LUC). "It was gratifying to sit next to the Minister during her meetings and to be asked by her to comment during the discussions with government officials, representatives of NGOs and officials from the political opposition. The important role of the Ukrainian Canadian community in Canada's domestic and foreign policy was made clear, especially as this pertains to the up-coming Parliamentary elections in Ukraine," Potapenko concluded.
Canadian Ambassador Troy Lulashnyk hosted a lunch reception for the delegation at the Canadian Embassy in Kyiv where the ambassador welcomed the Minister and delegation. The reception was attended by 50-60 Canadian ex-pats and local government of Canada partners.
Minister Oda and the delegation from the Ukrainian community visited the National Holodomor Memorial and Minister Oda presented a ceremonial grain basket. The delegation then toured the National Holodomor Museum.
In addition, the Minister and accompanying delegation participated in a series of meetings and roundtable discussions.
"The excellent round table exchange with the Minister on local self government and local economic development flagged some key areas for further cooperation between Canada and Ukraine, stated Ukrainian National Federation President Taras Pidzamecky. "The Council of Ukrainian Credit Unions of Canada was pleased that the discussions explored the important role Ukraine's credit unions can continue to play in the future in financing local small business, women entrepreneurs, and private farmers."
